Ms Francis was elected to the position at the Chamber AGM on Wednesday night. 

“I’m really thrilled they believed in me and voted for me,” she said.

“I think the chamber is wonderful as it is but I also see there is potential for growth.

“I’m looking forward to engaging with businesses in a different way and as a group looking for strategies to keep members satisfied and believing in the chamber,” she said.

Ms Francis said she wanted to focus on ensuring members felt they were getting value for the memberships.

“It starts with feedback,” she said

“I look forward hearing from people about any issues they want to raise about the chamber,” she said.

Ms Francis will be supported by newly elected vice president Mike Leask.

Mr Leask is a new name in Nowra but as the South Coast executive manager for SV Partners Illawarra, he spends plenty of time in the Shoalhaven.

“Our firm is national, so we extend down to Ulladulla and strategically Nowra is a focus for partnering local professional firms.

Mr Leask was previously the chief executive officer of the Illawarra Business Chamber.

He has intricate knowledge of the NSW Business Chamber’s Local Chamber Alliance Program and extensive connections with NSW Business Chamber.

“I hope my chamber management experience can assist the operations of the Shoalhaven chamber.

“The Shoalhaven business chamber is on the cusp of brilliance,” Mr Leask said.